RHINELANDER, Wis. - Carroll softball opened its Thursday doubleheader against MSOE with a hard-fought 2–1 victory before completing the sweep with a 6–2 win in the nightcap at the Hodag Dome in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The Pioneers combined timely hitting with strong pitching performances across both games to earn the non-conference sweep.
Game one developed into a classic pitchers' duel, with both teams trading early chances but struggling to generate sustained offense. MSOE broke through first in the bottom of the second inning, using a pair of hits to plate the game's opening run and take a 1–0 lead. Carroll answered in the top of the fourth, capitalizing on one swing to change the momentum of the contest. Valerie Osthoff reached base with a one-out single before Jennavieve Andler delivered the decisive blow, launching a two-run home run to center field to put the Pioneers in front, 2–1.
From there, Carroll's pitching staff took control. Starter Mya Schneider worked 4.1 strong innings, allowing just one earned run while scattering six hits and striking out four batters to earn the win. Makayla Wall was sharp in relief, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings and recording the final eight outs to secure the save. Despite seven hits from MSOE, Carroll limited scoring opportunities and stranded runners in key moments to preserve the narrow victory.
Carroll finished the opener with six hits, including singles from Osthoff, Grace O'Connor and Gianna Buske, while Andler accounted for both Pioneer runs with her fourth-inning home run.
The Pioneers carried that momentum into game two, where the offense found more consistency throughout the lineup. MSOE struck first again, scoring twice in the opening inning, but Carroll responded quickly and decisively. Madison Hoagland jump-started the comeback in the second inning with an RBI double, then came around to score on a wild pitch to even the game. Carroll continued to apply pressure with run-scoring plays in each of the next four innings, pulling away for a 6–2 victory.
Hoagland led the offense in the nightcap with two hits, two runs scored and two RBI, while Mary Dusza and Kaylee Baker also drove in runs. In the circle, Makayla Grantz earned the win after allowing two runs over 5.2 innings, and Julia Hupp closed the game in relief to earn the save.
With the sweep, Carroll showcased its depth in both the lineup and pitching staff as the Pioneers continued their early-season schedule.
